Customer Reviews (13)

Required to Understand the Jews' Guerrilla War Against Britain
"The Revolt" is a story by Menachem Begin about the Irgun - an underground Jewish resistance organization - and their effort to carve out a Jewish homeland while waging a guerrilla war against the British occupation forces.This book is particularly valuable in understanding how the Irgun waged their guerrilla war because Begin was the leader of this movement.As Begin describes, the Irgun was a disciplined, motivated force that fought a savvy guerrilla war which involved the successful battlefield requisition of enemy weapons, numerous high-risk false flag operations, and well thought out combat operations that had devastating political impact.

I was tempted to give this work four stars for several reasons.First, the book was difficult to read and did not flow well.Also, it was clear throughout the book that Begin was on a mission to protect the image of the Irgun and "clarify" the facts of historically significant events to place the Irgun in the best possible light.However, Begin is a human being, not a robot, and the reader should expect nothing less from a man who put his neck on the line and devoted his life to the creation of a Jewish state.For me, Begin's first hand account of the Brits' ineffective counterinsurgency techniques like martial law, summary execution of captured Irgun guerrillas, and blundering search and clear operations more than compensated for Begin's human flaws as a writer.

I found it interesting that the Irgun and Begin were labeled as "terrorists" by the British and rewards were put on their heads with the expectation that they would hang from the end of an English rope if ever captured.There are more than a few similarities between the guerrilla war the Irgun and Begin waged against the British and the war the Palestinian people have fought against Israel since 1948.Begin and the Irgun are viewed as heroes by the Israeli people while Palestinian fighters now receive the label of "terrorist" from the same people the British tarred and feathered with the identical description.Ironic to say the least, but such is the nature of guerrilla warfare where each side attempts to influence the world's perception of the conflict to support their respective side.

Read this book if you want to understand one man's perspective on how an illegal movement waged a successful guerrilla war against the British - from impersonating British soldiers to implanting IED's.I enjoyed learning from Begin and I think the interested reader will learn a great deal also.

Excessively analytical. Expects the world to be familiar with it all
(3 1/2 stars) This appeared to be quite a Promising when I realized I had a book by the Prime minister of Isreal.
This book was written shorly after Israels independance and The writer seems to be convinced that the whole world was familiar with some pretty obscure stuff...and as time passes these events were little known to the current generation. But he rarely explained what happened but just analized the events and we were left peicing togther exactly what it was the events he was reffering to.

The book spent fully one third of the time analyzing and rehashing reasons for the revolt, and the actions,with little if any explanations of the events. I began to despair that any relating of events would ever be done. The political analysis was ad infintiem and on occasion appeared to be a bit boastful or of a prideful sort. Also he seemed to beleive that the events transpiring in Isreal were worldreknown. Perhaps they may have been in 1951, but he made no attempt to summarise the events, so occasionaly we were in that dark as to exactly what he was reffering to.

This was particularily frustrating when he started to talk about a boat and we had to peice together the event through his analyisis. Furthermore the order of events was only looslely chronological,so we found ourselves jumping around the time line and thus we were often confused as to exactly what or when we were reading about.
It did get a bit more into actual description of events, but a historical rendition of the events it was not. It came off as peice meal and so consequently it was occasionaly a bit frustraing trying to keep up,or get an overall sence of the events as they transpired and how they related to each other.
Still this was indeed an eye opener to see the heart and reasoning of the Jewish predicament. Furthermore it made me quite ashamed to have some British anscestry. This was a scathing commentary on the British Nation, and I became soundly aware as to why Britain has declined over the past century.

Overall in hindsight, if you know what to expect, this is a better read, than not knowing what to expect as it unfolded, but it was at times frustrating with the ad infinitem political analisis, the tendancy to think of his particular story as more well known that it really was, and his occasional boasty tendancies at some points. But overall this is an important book in understanding some of Israel's original struggles to become a nation.

Menachem Begin: Prime Minister and Misunderstood Fighter
Much can be said about Menachem Begin. As leader of the group Irgun/Etzel Menachem Begin formed the leadership of the violent resistance against British occupation in the Mandate of Palestine. He was one of the few who resisted the Labour Party's Hegemony over the Knesset then led the early Likud to victory in the 70s, to then make peace with Sadat's Egypt.

Begin chronicles his rise to the head of Irgun from his beginnings as a humble early Zionist imprisoned in a Russian gulag. He talks about one of his friends in the Gulag, a Jew who was the biggest supporter of Communism, then eventhough betrayed by the regime he supported still rallied to the Communist cause. Begin writes a very heart rending chapter how his friend's view changed from one of trying to shed his Judaism for a Communist identity, to one identifying with Zionism.

While solidly being anti-Communist, Begin was often accused of being a facist. His autobiography/history of Irgun totally disproves this lie created by many leftists. In addition most pro-Arab individuals claim that the State of Israel itself is an "imperialist invention," again just by reading The Revolt, one can easily deduce that Irgun's stated goal was one of anti-Imperialism (directed against the British). Another claim made by detractors is that Irgun was a terror group. After reading numerous histories of the group and supplementing it with this book the truth comes to light that Irgun never wanted the death of innocents, only those fighting against it, such as militant Arabs and British soldiers. Begin even shows regret to the innocents that were killed in attacks. I think one of the best sections involved the lies about the "massacre" at Deir Yassin. Begin proves that not only were the Arab inhabitants well armed but that they dressed as non-combatants and used non-combatants as human shields. He also talks about how the Arab media exploited a small battle like this and blew it up into a massacre. This book is a true myth buster.

Individuals interested in the early history and internal relations of the Jewish state, its relations with the Arabs, and the Irgun and Lehi operations against the British will find this book to be an incredibly thorough account. Begin talks openly about when the Haganna opened fire on the Irgun arms and refugee carrying ship Altalena. In addition to how he staved off a civil war with David Ben Gurion over who would lead the new Israeli state and its armed forces.

Begin was a great leader, statesman, and one who truley wanted a better future for his people.

How the Irgun helped the Levantine Jews win independence
The Levantine Jews had to fight the British for their freedom.The war truly began when Great Britain came up with the White Paper of 1939.And Begin, who led the Irgun, one of the Jewish groups fighting against Great Britain, was instrumental in helping the Jews win that fight.

The book starts with Begin being sentenced to eight years in a labor camp, on April 1, 1941.Begin's response was an involuntary "April Fool!"And the joke may have been on his persecutors, as Begin soon wound up in the Levant, where he quickly took over the leadership of the Irgun.

Begin states his reaction to the problems the Jews faced at that time.If your house is on fire, you do not wait for the fire department to arrive to try to rescue your family.By the time they get there, it may be too late.

Many people call the Irgun a terrorist group.But Begin explains that while both fighters for freedom and fighters for oppression may use violence to try to overthrow a regime, there is an inherent difference between them.Physical force was neither the aim nor the creed of the Irgun, which properly believed in the supremacy of moral forces.It was the British enemies of the Irgun which mocked morality.

Begin tells of the British order, in 1929, that the Jews not blow notes on their Shofars at the Western Wall.And we see the consequences of this ill-advised law.After all, even the Roman conquerors had allowed Jews to blow their Shofars there.

And we learn that, except during actual planned missions, the Irgun did not carry weapons.If they were stopped and searched, they were often released on the spot.

Begin tells of the Irgun's exploits.And the Altalena affair, in which Begin managed to escape and convince his troops not to start a civil war.

I was intrigued by the description of the battle for Deir Yassin.I've always regarded some of the wilder stories about this battle with some suspicion. Here is why. The Jews, with Jerusalem besieged, decided on April 1, 1948 to counterattack.This was really the first offensive by a Jewish army in centuries.Two key targets were Castel and Deir Yassin, vantage points which overlooked the endangered Jerusalem road.A Jewish failure to win any battles would doom Jerusalem.Thus the attacks a week later were unusual.I would have expected huge protests from the Arabs no matter what the outcome.

Of course, the Jewish army was inexperienced.And Begin's Irgun was especially inexperienced at such an attack.It fell for a bogus Arab surrender.It fell for tricks such as Iraqi soldiers dressed as women (with concealed weapons).Nevertheless, the Jews won that battle.It may not have been as big a battle, in terms of casualties, as Gettysburg or Stalingrad.But it was a part of a battle for freedom and human rights that saved Western Jerusalem and I think that is worth celebrating.

The author explains that the Arab complaints about the battle backfired, with many Arab civilians, believing wild stories about Jewish atrocities (and perhaps believing them even more given the tendency of Arab soldiers to engage in them), fleeing the battle zone.Begin claims this effect was very significant in saving the city of Tiberias, and made the attack on Haifa easier.

It is a fascinating book, and I recommend it.

A courageous and visionary leader
The story of the Irgun's revolt against British rule is told in this book by the organization's visionary leader Menachem Begin. Begin was a modest, courageous leader dedicated to achieving freedom for the Jewish people in the land of Israel. Time and again he made decisions which overcame his own narrow interest and served the people of Israel. One was in his decision not to fight back after the attack on the Atalena. Years later in events outside the scope of this book Begin in opposition backed the government fully in decisions of great weight and moment, such as the taking of the Old City in 1967 or the operation in Entebbe in 1976 . Here he tells of a troubled time in Jewish history when a desperate people struggled to realize a two thousand year old dream of restoring Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel. This is a highly readable work by a leader who the people of Israel loved perhaps more than any other in modern times. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

not the best book
I was shopping for a book on Mr. Begin because I had just finished 'the Revolt' written by him.I wanted a general biography covering the post war years and the struggle in the Political realm as well as details of his decision to invade lebanon and the peace with Egypt.This book, although it details his life, is profoundly popular history.IN effect a new biography needs to be written on Begin because it is hard to find a good one.

A Good History of Menachim Begin!
This was a very good biography of Menachim Begin. This book tells of his earlier career when he was a member of the group
Irgin and was actually wanted dead or alive by the British
government.You will also learn od some of the actions that he
participated in against the British government to get them to leave the Middle East.Also well covered is his career as a
politician.His career in the Knesset as a minority member and a
literal backbencher is well documented.His election as Prime

Minister of Israel is also well covered.The author writes about
the Camp David peace accords and the bombing of the Iraqi nuclear
reactor. You will also learn of Begin winning the Nobel Peace prize. A very good book on the life of Israel.You will enjoy it. ... Read more

Product Description
At last a book that sets the record straight about one of the greatest Jewish leaders of our time. Through personal anecdotes and insights based on years of research, Dr. Seidman, Begin's lifelong friend and a distinguished writer and journalist, pays tribute to the man who played the decisive role in forcing the British out of Palestine, signing a peace treaty with Egypt, and securing the future of the Middle East by destroying Iraq's nuclear reactor. A must for all who are interested in the continued struggle of Israel and the Jewish people. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Portrait of A Giant Among the Jews
Seidman does a wonderful job recounting the life of Menachem Begin. He does so from first hand experience from his long standing friendship with Begin. He explodes the myth that Begin was merely a war-mongering radical, and explains what real Zionism meant to him. Explored is the genius that made Begin both poltically controversial and for most of his career unpopular: that is his ability to distinguish potential peace partners from intractible enemies. Begin is portrayed accurately as a true hero to the Jewish people.

A badly needed tribute to the original Likud leader, now sadly lost to history, infrequently remembered and rarely celebrated.

Although physically petite, Menachem Begin was a true giant among statesmen in general, and the Jewish people in particular. This book explains why.

Meet one of the greatest Jews ever: Menachem Begin
Hillel Seidman (the author) has experienced Jewish history as few others have. As a survivor of the Holocaust who was active in Polish politics before the war and Israeli after the war, he has a broad and encompassingperspective. As an added facet to his personality he was a religious leaderas well. He has a story to tell.

His story is uniquely Jewish - anduniquely honest. He introduces us to former Prime Minister Menachem Beginfrom the perspective of a friend and follower. He isn't carefull about howhe presents his story, he just lets it gush out as it comes to him. Manyhave written about Menachem Begin but none as compellingly honest as Dr.Hillel Seidman.

There are few Jews today who still share the"survivor" emotion and waultenschaung of Seidman and Begin - andthat's a shame. The classical cliche about Jews is: "Two Jews? Threeopinions!" Our infighting and devisiveness are legendary. Only onewith a real "survivor" perspective is able to say, "AhavatYisrael above all".

I highly recommend this book. Meet MenachemBegin. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A great leader of Israel
Menachem Begin was one of the great leaders of the people of Israel in modern times. His whole life was a struggle to help return Jewish sovereignty to the Holy Land, to build a state for the Jewish people in which they could live in security and freedom. His struggle began in his native Poland where he was initially involved in the Betar Movement under its charismatic leader Ze'ev Jabotinsky. It continued even when he was exiled to Siberia by the Soviets and when he released made his way to the Holy Land as a soldier in the Anders' Polish Army. In Eretz Yisrael he became the leader of the Irgun one of the leading groups which fought the Mandate and the British efforts at restricting Jewish immigration to the Holy Land. At the time of the struggle for Independance Begin showed his characteristic nobility and greatness when he refused to open a Civil War even though his people were attacked on the Altalena. This ability to be self- effacing to think of the overall well- being of the people of Israel characterized Begin throughout his life, and made him in the most beloved leader the people of Israel has known in modern times.

A portrait of one of modern history's greatest statesmen
Menachem Begin by Harry Hurwitz

Menachem Begin became the Prime Minister of Israel on 20 June 1977 and within months he attained unprecedented popularity and support becoming one of the greatest leaders his country had known. With faith, boldness and a special brand of leadership he brought about a change in mood and a veritable economic revolution, and within two years achieved a peace settlement with Egypt, sharing the Nobel Peace Prize with Egyptian leader Anwar Sadat.

South African Zionist stalwart Harry Hurwitz was a close associate of Begin, dating back to their first meeting in January 1947. As Editor of the Jewish Herald he observed, followed and reported his careers, thoughts and deeds literally every day.

Published in 1977, a few months after Begin became Israel's sixth Prime Minister, and first Prime Minister, outside the ranks of the Labour Party, Hurwitz documented in this book, part of the life, thoughts and achievements of the phenomenal and great Son of Israel , a true leader , Menachem Wolfovitch Begin.

It was Menachem Begin who said, when addressing President Carter, shortly after becoming Prime Minister, stated: " To us, with the experience of physical annihilation and spiritual redemption, national security may mean the lives of every man, woman and child in Israel. Their lives can be, under certain circumstances, directly threatened and put in jeopardy."
Menachem Begin also told Europe, in no uncertain terms: " Europe, whose rivers flow with Jewish blood has no right to lecture Israel on matters which could involve it's life and death, and the safety of every man, woman and child in our country.'
Begin refused to flinch on principles, and worke3d for a peace based on principle, without compromises the rights of Israel or it's people. He stood up for the right of Jews to live in every inch of historic Israel, from the Jordan to the Mediterranean, and refused to negotiate with the Palestine Liberation Organization, an organization whose sole aim was and remains the destruction of Israel, and the mass murder of her people.

Since Begin's departure Israel's leaders have been less resolute, with loss of Israeli life the result, and paradoxically more international hatred of Israel from a world of loathsome hypocrisy-the more Israel yields the more the world demands her destruction.
Let us pray for a return of a government in Israel ready to resolutely defend the right of an independent Jewish State in all of Biblical Israel, where her people are safe and secure and free to pursue life , liberty and happiness.
May G-D preserve the Jewish State of Israel forever.
... Read more

Product Description
2,260 pages of FBI, British Intelligence MI5 MI6, CIA, Department of Defense files, and international press monitoring covering Menachem Begin and IRGUN, the Jewish Underground and the establishment of the State of Israel, archived on CD-ROM.

CIA FILES

101 pages of CIA files dating from 1945 to 1948.

Files contain Palestine situation reports discussing: Strategic considerations in relation to U.S. interests; Political Situations; Economic Situations Foreign Affairs; Military Situations.

BRITISH SECURITY SERVICE MI5 MI6 FILES

253 pages of British Security files on Menachem Begin dating from 1929 to 1955. These files were not released until 2006.

British Security files on Menachem Begin composed of compiled reports on Begin's movements, contacts and activities drawn from various sources. The files include details about Menachem Begin's early life. The files contain conflicting content on whether or not Begin served in Spain with the International Brigade. The file includes a photograph purportedly of Begin with comrades in Spain, but also information from other sources suggesting that he was elsewhere for the duration of the Spanish Civil War.

FBI FILES

293 pages of FBI files dating from 1947 to 1949 covering IRGUN and Hagnah. Files contain approximately 85 narrative pages. Files give basic background information on Irgun and Hagnah. Topics include: Possible violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act and the Neutrality Act. Publicity for a planned Begin 1948 visit. FBI investigation into whether Begin should be admitted into the US. The files contain a collection of FBI newspaper articles on militant acts against British targets.

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE FILES

244 pages of Department of Defense Reports

The disc contains a text transcript of all recognizable text embedded into the graphic image of each page of each document, creating a searchable finding aid.

CD-ROM uses Windows or MAC ... Read more

Product Description
A biography of the Israeli prime minister who shared the 1978 Nobel peace prize with his former enemy Anwar el-Sadat for their efforts to end the Arab-Israeli conflict. ... Read more

Product Description
Based on the premise that the moral problems raised by the holocaust can be confronted only in myth, the author shows that Menachem Begin's rhetoric is based on how he views the world through the myth of holocaust and redemption through return. Demonstrates that the actions of the Begin administration, which many observers have found inexplicable, are perfectly logical when viewed from the perspective of the myth of return. Of interest to students of rhetoric, political science, the holocaust, and Zionism. ... Read more